Sharon Leiker

Showing an aptitude for art at an early age, Ms. Leiker won her first art scholarship at the age of ten. However, after graduating from Wichita State University, art took a backseat to a career in data processing that spanned over 25 years. Throughout these years, art was a treasured hobby. Although work and family life sometimes left little time for painting, she never quit drawing, painting, or sketching.

In March of 2001, Ms. Leiker was disabled by scleroderma. Work had become impossible due to the disease and days were left empty and seemingly without purpose. Indeed, when God closes a door, he opens a window. As the disease would allow, she began to devote time to painting. Ms. Leiker says “When I get into a painting, it helps me put the pain and frustration of scleroderma on the back burner. I think of the painting and forget about me.”